James Roy Powell, 84, Deming resident, passed away December 6, 2014 at the Arbors of Del Rey Assisted Living Community in Las Cruces.

A Memorial service will be Saturday morning December 13, 2014 at 11 o'clock at The First Baptist Church with Pastor Joe Byers and Mr. Powell's son, Jason Powell officiating.

Jim was born October 17, 1930, in Olney, Texas to Andy and Myrtle Powell. He discovered his life-long interest in athletics and academics and graduated from High School with honors after competing in football and track all four years. He attended New Mexico Western University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1954 with a BS in education and Masters Degree in Administration. He married his wife Peggy in 1951 and they taught High School for the next four years, after which Peggy retired to raise their family. Jim continued to serve as counselor and administrator in public education for a total of 45 years retiring as Superintendent of schools in Ajo, Arizona. The family moved back to Deming to retire in 1992, but Jim decided to go back to work for seven more years as counselor at Deming Jr. High. Jim was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, serving at all times by giving, teaching and being a Deacon. Even after dementia stole away his ability to think clearly he continued in his faithfulness to attend and to give. He was greatly loved and respected by his family who wish him to be remembered as a man who loved his God, his family, his participation in athletics and his role in teaching and guiding young people. He might also be remembered as an avid Wildcat fan. Jim never missed a home game, football or basketball, right up through the end of last season.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Peggy; 3 daughters, Dana Moorhead and husband Ron of Mountainair, NM, Lisa Powell and husband Gary Gamaldi of Tucson, Arizona, Amy Powell and fiancé Ken Saltzman of Casa Grande, Arizona; a son, Jason Powell and his wife Brandi of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren and step grandchildren, Ronnie Moorhead, Ashley Moorhead, Matt and Erica Presser, Mica and Brian Blacklock, Rachel and Mike Rice, Sarah Merrill, Hannah Merrill and Bella Powell; great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren, Carissah, Adan, Kadence, Nathan, Josiah, Hannah, Jenna, Jake, Tyler, Zoe, Luke and Clairity.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers and his beloved grandson, Aaron Beard.